NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Tramadol Hidden in Vehicle Mirrors at Lagos Airport, Makes Multiple Arrests Nationwide
Lagos, Nigeria – August 3, 2025
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking, intercepting a large consignment of cocaine and tramadol concealed in 71 vehicle side mirrors destined for Libreville, Gabon, through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
According to a statement by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the illicit cargo, intercepted on July 19, 2025, included 57,420 pills of tramadol 225mg and 57 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.6 kilograms. The shipment was being processed for export via Air Côte d’Ivoire.
The operation led to the arrest of a well-known cargo agent, Ihekweme Osinachi Benedict. Follow-up investigations resulted in the arrest of another suspect, Uzochukwu Godspower Chukwurah, on July 20. Further searches at Uzochukwu’s residence uncovered an additional 11 parcels of cocaine weighing 1kg concealed in four more side mirrors, bringing the total seizure to 68 parcels weighing 2.6kg.
In a related operation, NDLEA operatives arrested a businesswoman, Mrs. Nwafor Roseann Nneka, at the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos, on August 1. Her arrest followed the July 10 interception of 100 grams of cocaine and 300 grams of phenacetine—used as a cutting agent—hidden in lipstick containers bound for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Two cargo agents had earlier been apprehended in connection with the shipment. Mrs. Nwafor, who admitted sourcing the lipsticks, said her husband, Remigus Nwafor, who is currently on the run, handled the concealment.
Dispatch Riders Caught Delivering Drugs in Abuja
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), NDLEA operatives arrested three dispatch riders—Sabo Sule (24), Samuel Nnamdi (28), and Idris Jibrin (28)—on July 30 during a stop-and-search operation in Gwarimpa, Jahi, and Galadimawa. They were caught with 149.8 grams of "Canadian Loud," a potent strain of cannabis.
On August 2, along the Abaji-Gwagwalada expressway, operatives also arrested two suspects, Aliyu Abubakar (25) and Adekunle Agbabiaka (30), with 91.1kg of skunk, another cannabis strain.
More Arrests Across Nigeria
In Lagos, NDLEA officers arrested Joseph Michael in Mushin with 3.3kg of Colorado, a synthetic form of cannabis, and Ibrahim Sulaiman in Iwaya, Yaba, with 16.5 litres of a cannabis-laced drink known as "skuchies."
In Benue State, 100,000 tramadol capsules were seized from 37-year-old Hussein Yusuf at a checkpoint along the Vandeikya-Ogoja Road on August 1.
In Edo State, a warehouse in Ekpoma was raided the same day. A suspect, William Alabi (44), was arrested with 233.5kg of skunk.
At the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri, Borno State, NDLEA officers on August 1 intercepted 160 tramadol pills hidden inside footwears belonging to 38-year-old Umar Aminu.
Raids in Ogun, Oyo, Delta, Bayelsa, Kano, and Osun
- Ogun State: Yahaya Aminat Seyi was arrested with 7,218 pills of opioids in Oja Odan.
- Oyo State: Oladeji Saka (54) was nabbed in Asanike, Ibadan, with 77.5kg of skunk.
- Delta State: Benson Izah (40) was caught with 12.5kg of skunk, 1kg of tramadol, and 14.4 litres of codeine in Abraka.
- Bayelsa State: NDLEA arrested Chief Emeka Opara (52) and Onuoha Chidinma (25) along Tantua Road, Amassoma, recovering 41,705 tramadol capsules and other opioids from their residence and shop.
- Kano State: Bashir Gambo (30) was arrested in Yar Yasa, Tudun Wada LGA, with 61kg of skunk.
- Osun State: On July 28, two suspects—Kabiru Ayinde (40) and Roqeeb Adekanmbi (25)—were arrested in Ile-Ogbo, Iwo town, with 90kg of skunk, 36.3 grams of methamphetamine, a Toyota bus, and ₦228,200 in cash.
WADA Advocacy Continues Nationwide
As part of its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, the NDLEA carried out sensitization campaigns across various states during the week. Engagements were held in schools, religious centres, and transport unions, including:
- Ciroma Ibrahim Islamiyya School, Potiskum (Yobe)
- Sultan Maccido Institute, Wamakko (Sokoto)
- Borno Express Metro Drivers, Maiduguri (Borno)
- Seventh Day Adventist Church, Abakpa Nike (Enugu)
- Advocacy visit to the Oluwo of Iwo, Osun State
NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.) commended the efforts of officers at MMIA, MBIAM, and state commands for their diligence and renewed commitment. He urged them to sustain a balanced approach combining enforcement and public education in the national drug control strategy.
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